Micky Adams, the Coventry City manager, is confident that Michael Doyle will be fit to take his place in the Sky Blues' midfield for the match away to Southampton on Saturday.

Doyle finished the match against Burnley last week, which the team won 1-0, nursing bruised shins, but Adams is confident that no lasting damage was caused and that the combative Irishman should be available to make the trip to the south coast.

Adams said: "I wouldn't say Burnley were over-physical or that we were over-physical. It was a competitive game and we've seen that many times, with Doyle and Dennis Wise in there.

"You've got to win your tackles and stamp your authority on the game. Unfortunately, Doyle was on the end of a couple of tackles which were slightly rash, but he'll be fine."

Adams has hailed the return to availability of the experienced defensive trio of Robert Page, Richard Shaw and Marcus Hall. Page, the Wales international, returned to the team last Saturday after completing a one-match suspension, Shaw also completed the full 90 minutes after a neck injury, while Hall was back from an Achilles problem.

"It's always good to have your senior professionals back, fit and available," Adams said. "'Shawsie' has been rested for a while because of his injury, Pagey has come back from suspension and Marcus Hall is also available so we now have a more solid look about us."